Writer

Amy Wilder

Daher Aircraft is making its debut as an exhibitor at Verticon 2026, promoting its Kodiak 100 and 900 turboprops as complements to rotorcraft fleets for law enforcement and public safety agencies. At the event, taking place March 10 to 12, the company will showcase the turboprops’ ability to extend mission capabilities while lowering costs for helicopter-focused organizations.
“As agencies increasingly seek greater endurance, along with extended coverage and more adaptable missions, the Kodiak 100 and 900 offer compelling solutions with their persistent surveillance capabilities,” said Daher Aircraft CEO Nicolas Chabbert.
Daher acquired the Kodiak line in 2019 and has since introduced the Kodiak 100 Series III and launched the larger Kodiak 900. The company developed in-house systems integration capabilities to support the multimission market, which now accounts for approximately one-third of annual Kodiak sales.
The company’s Kodiak 900 Multi-Mission Aircraft demonstrator can mount a sensor turret up to 15 inches on the wing strut, controlled from a cabin operator console. Daher tested the configuration during a law enforcement agency briefing in the Western U.S., and the aircraft supported two felony arrests on the same day.
Paul Carelli, Daher’s senior director of multi-missions and business development for the Americas, said the visiting flight crew was asked to assist with an urgent call. With an agency officer aboard, the Kodiak 900 MMA found the suspect vehicle in 52 seconds and tracked it until officers made the arrest. During the operation, the agency’s helicopter returned to base for refueling while the Kodiak continued surveillance. Later that day, the aircraft supported a high-speed chase of another felony suspect, continuing coverage when the helicopter departed to refuel.
The Kodiak flew at 7,000 to 10,000 feet during both missions, simplifying airspace coordination compared with low-altitude helicopter operations in busy metropolitan areas. The aircraft’s higher operating envelope also enabled it to cross airport approach and departure paths where helicopter access is frequently restricted. “This experience was a real eye-opener for the law enforcement agency,” Carelli said.
According to Daher, the Kodiaks can remain aloft for seven to eight hours, or up to 9.5 hours in some configurations, far exceeding typical helicopter mission duration. Performing well at low speeds between 85 and 110 knots,&nbsp;the turboprops&nbsp;turn tightly and provide a steady observation platform suitable for pilots with varying experience levels.
Direct operating expenses average around $400 per hour, including fuel, though some Part 91 maintenance approaches can reduce that figure. Daher said this represents a substantial saving compared with helicopter hourly costs.
“Operationally and economically, the Kodiak 100 and Kodiak 900 are extremely effective aircraft,” Carelli said. “They provide agencies with extended surveillance capability at a fraction of the cost of helicopters, while integrating seamlessly into their existing aviation units’ ground infrastructure.”
Missouri State Highway Patrol was the first agency to operate a Kodiak 900 in multi-mission configuration, becoming Daher’s first customer for in-house system integration work. Daher’s growing multi-mission customer base includes the New York State Police, which is acquiring four Kodiak 100s with deliveries starting this summer. The aircraft will carry advanced mission equipment, including night vision systems. The Virginia State Police flies three Kodiak 100s in its aviation unit along with helicopters.
Maine Marine Patrol flies a Kodiak 100 with amphibious floats for operations from water or land. The agency uses the aircraft for commercial fishing regulation enforcement, maritime security, search and rescue, and monitoring endangered whales offshore.

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